ST. LOUIS – Gateway Design Studio, a professional planning, landscape architectural and environmental design firm located in St. Louis – is celebrating the completion of the first phase of the Cotton Belt Trail in Sikeston, Missouri.
In 2016 the City of Sikeston desired the development of a master plan for the conversion of the former Union Pacific Railroad rail corridor into a city operated recreational trail facility.
As the lead project planner, Gateway Design Studio – along with St. Louis-based The i5 Group - prepared the Comprehensive Trail Master Plan for the City back in summer/fall of 2016. GDS then teamed with Water’s Engineering (Sikeston, MO) to do the design/engineering drawings for Phase 1 in 2017 - 2018. Phase 1 of the trail was completed this summer.
Gateway Design Studio, LLC and The i5 Group developed Phase 1 of the Master Plan creating a vision for the trail as an important link to the City’s downtown district and neighborhoods. The team examined existing conditions, developed a phasing plan, conceptual trail options and cost estimates. Public engagement was part of the scope which included stakeholder meetings and open houses.
The project goal was to develop a multi-use recreational trail that links to nearby existing businesses, residential, park and trail systems, beautifying this corridor adjacent to one of the main thoroughfares through the city. The plan’s estimated cost for Phase 1 was $378,000.
Phase 1 improvements included the design and construction of approximately 3,300 linear feet or .62 miles of multi-use trail. Encompassed in the improvements are main trailheads at the historic Sikeston Depot and at the Main Street intersection terminus:
KEY ELEMENTS
- 3,300 L.F. Trail Section
- Historic Preservation
- Intersection Crosswalk Design
- ADA accessibility
- Trail Head Design
- Signage/Wayfinding
- Landscape Improvement Guidelines
- Storm Water Management
GDS PERFORMANCE ON PHASE 1
Gateway Design Studio’s design and specification of trail system elements included:
- Conceptual and Preliminary Trail Alignment
- Landscape Improvements
- Site furniture (Benches, Trash Receptacles, Water Fountains, Bike Racks)
- Information Kiosk and Trailhead Monument Signage
- Ornamental Fencing
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEMS
- 79 new trees were planted along the Trail, which included Missouri native and drought tolerant species
- The Historic Train Depot features new bench seating, bike rack, drinking fountain and Information Kiosk
- Funds were made available by the Federal Highway Administration through its TAP Program, coordinated through the Missouri Department of Transportation with City of Sikeston, Missouri.